The dawn of Vairton was not like the dawn of Earth. The sky did not soften with gentle colors; it split with fire. Great streaks of crimson light carved across the heavens as the twin suns rose together, burning away the silver mists that blanketed the capital.
In the courtyard of the Hall of Commanders, the chosen warriors of Vairton stood at attention. Rows upon rows of armored figures, their skin metallic, their eyes glowing with pride, waited in silence. Each one was a bodyguard candidate, summoned by order of General Veylak himself.
At the center of the dais, Qirnaz stepped forward. Her white skin gleamed faintly beneath the suns, the pink of her natural garments glowing with a strange radiance. Her golden eyes swept across the warriors, measuring them carefully.
Veylak's voice boomed from where he stood above the assembly.
"Daughter, you may choose one. Only one. She will be your shield, your sword, and your shadow. Choose wisely, for Earth is no world for the untested."
Qirnaz raised her chin, her voice carrying clearly across the courtyard. "I will not choose by reputation or rank. I will choose by truth."
She descended the steps slowly, each stride measured. The warriors did not move, their discipline unshaken. Yet Qirnaz's gaze caught on one figure near the end of the formation—a woman who stood tall but not stiff, her stance more fluid than rigid, as though ready to spring into motion at any time.
Her body was sleek and silver, marked with faint streaks of violet along her arms and legs. Unlike many of the others, her face was uncovered by a helm or mask. Her features were sharp, her eyes a piercing blue that glowed faintly under the rising suns. She did not flinch under Qirnaz's gaze. She simply met it, calm and unyielding.
Qirnaz stopped before her.
"What is your name?" she asked.
The woman brought one fist to her chest in salute. "I am Saelara, daughter of the Thirn line. Trained in the blade since my first breath. I have served as shadow-guard to the war-priests of Vairton. And I would serve you, Lady Qirnaz."
Qirnaz tilted her head, studying her closely. "Why? Others wish to serve because of my father's power. What drives you?"
Saelara's eyes narrowed, and for the first time her voice softened. "Because you are different. I have heard whispers that you look beyond war, that you dream of colors and songs. I… wish to see where those dreams lead. If you will allow me, I will walk beside you into that unknown."
The honesty of the answer struck Qirnaz. The other candidates stood tall and silent, waiting for orders, but none had spoken of more than loyalty and strength. This woman's words carried something rare on Vairton: curiosity.
Qirnaz's golden eyes glowed brighter. She extended her hand. "Then I choose you, Saelara."
A murmur rippled through the ranks, though none dared break their discipline. General Veylak watched in silence, his face unreadable.
Saelara accepted Qirnaz's hand, bowing her head. "Then I am yours to command, my lady. My blade is your blade. My life, your shield."
Qirnaz turned back toward the dais, lifting her voice so all could hear. "This is my choice. Saelara of the Thirn line will be my protector. Together, we will walk upon Earth."
For a moment, silence lingered. Then Veylak stepped forward, his heavy voice rolling across the courtyard. "So be it. The Daughter of Veylak has chosen her guardian. Let it be known across Vairton—she departs within three nights."
The assembly saluted as one, the sound of their fists striking their chests echoing like thunder.
Qirnaz glanced at Saelara once more. There was no hesitation in the woman's stance, only calm readiness. For the first time, Qirnaz felt not only excitement but also reassurance. She was not alone in this journey.
As the suns climbed higher, burning the sky into gold, Qirnaz whispered softly, more to herself than anyone else:
"Earth will not know what to make of us."
And beside her, Saelara's lips curved into the faintest of smiles.